black-and-tan

1 of 2

adjective

ˌbla-kən-ˈtan 

1

of a dog's coat : having a predominantly black color pattern with deep red or rusty tan usually on the feet, breeching, and cheek patches, above the eyes, and inside the ears

2

or Black-and-Tan dated, US politics : favoring or practicing proportional representation of Black and white people in politics compare lily-white sense 3

3

US, dated : frequented by both Black and white people

a black-and-tan bar

black and tan

2 of 2

noun

1

: a black-and-tan dog

2

: a drink consisting of a dark beer (such as stout or porter) and ale or beer of a paler color

3

Black and Tan [from the color of his uniform] : a recruit enlisted in England in 1920–21 for service in the Royal Irish Constabulary against the armed movement for Irish independence

Examples of black-and-tan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In another clip, Klum tries on a black-and-tan bodysuit and black leather jacket. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

The Slipper chair in black-and-tan pinstripes captures the sophisticated yet eclectic aesthetic that the interior designers are known for. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2025

Noun

Beyonce wore a black pair with a bodysuit and sheer tights in the 2011 music video for Love on Top, while Lindsay Lohan was spotted by paps in the streets of NYC wearing both black and tan pairs in 2012. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 13 Jan. 2026

One, a special Mercedes-Maybach S-class S 680 painted in black and tan, was revealed shortly after Abloh’s death in 2021. —Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for black-and-tan

• businessman
• canavan
• caravan
• constantan
• dragoman
• fisherman
• handyman
• harmattan
• journeyman
• marianne
• middleman
• minivan